teaching | Dr. Suze Espouses

From the Merriam Webster dictionary, the definition of a professional: “The skill, good judgment, and polite behavior from a person who is trained to do a job well.” In other words, a professional is neither an amateur, nor a hobbyist, but someone with a substantial depth of knowledge, experience, ability, and skill. Someone who by definition, a plumber, an electrician, a teacher, a nurse, a chemical engineer, or a physical therapist. BUT, not necessarily some bombastic politician who reaps profits from his/her elected position, who preys on the uneducated, who ignores the needs of others, and who wants humiliates and disparages anyone who disagrees or questions him/her.

Case in point: This week, the following by edict are no longer classified as professionals: Anyone with a Master’s or doctoral degree in certain fields. WTH? Education? Nursing? Social Work? Public Health? Counseling? Physical, Occupational, Speech therapy? MBA’s? Engineering? Now, when this news broke, I was stunned. How could someone who wants to import and infuse smart Chinese folk into American business, yet downgrade as “professionals” some of America’s best and brightest?

Hmm. Could that someone be the guy who hires a crack pot attorney to head Health and Human Services, or a Secretary of Education who thinks AI is a steak sauce? Could that someone, who boasts of his brilliance be the guy who didn’t get into Harvard and knows nothing about geography?

Granted that someone has the skill to hawk Bibles, tennis shoes, and crypto coins, but sorely lacks good judgment, and polite behavior. Sorry, guy. You ain’t no professional.

FreeVector-Rock-Stars Years ago, I co-taught Sunday school with another church member, and one Sunday she said, “Sue, I’m tired of my nomadic life on the road.” I knew she traveled several times a month leaving both her husband and children to fend for themselves. But she was making mega bucks. “You know I have a teaching degree I’ve never used.”

No, I didn’t know it. “If you think you want to teach, I can arrange a interview with our HR assistant superintendent. You realize you’ll never make the same amount of money you make now.”

“Of course. There’s more important things than making loads of money. I need to be with my family, and I want to make a difference in the lives of kids.”

teachers-p3

“Deb, teaching is the most important profession in the world, for without a teacher there can be no nurse, no attorney, and no plumber. I’ve observed you; you will be fabulous.”

Deb was hired as a teacher in a Title I elementary school and earlier this week emailed me: I’m so proud to work for such a supportive governing board and superintendent. You’re rock stars.

Rock stars? The true rock stars are you and your fellow teachers. You who are paid $35-40,000 per year to educate our future. You who collect warm clothing for children in need. You who tutor children at risk. You who work tirelessly day after day to ensure each child maximizes his/her potential.

Curiously, I’ve never swooned over The Beatles, Smash Mouth, nor Justin Timberlake. Yet, I’ve been euphoric when I witnessed the myriad of student accomplishments made possible by caring and dedicated teachers. So unless Bruce Springsteen wants to run away with me, teachers will be my #1 rock stars!